Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has changed the Florida government in many regards, but none as much as he has all but upended the Department of Education. His recent moves have caught the attention of Vice President Kamala Harris (D) who blasted the state for its curriculum on the history of African Americans.
Last legislative session in Tallahassee, Florida, one of the most controversial decisions was striking down the proposed AP African American History classes for Florida high schools. This decision was explained by the DeSantis administration as having to do with the politically charged nature of the curriculum being inconsistent with state standards.
Of course, this rejection caught the attention of activists, with even Reverend Al Sharpton protesting in Florida's capitol city. However, the state is under fire again for the Department of Education's newest standards being released on how Black history will be taught.
In a 216-page document, the Florida Department of Education released a curriculum that did not sit well with some in the general public. In particular, a segment that states slavery would be taught as a, "personal benefit," to slaves who acquired skills through their labor.
VP Harris visited Jacksonville, Florida where she delivered remarks on the new curriculum, "They want to replace history with lies," Harris said. "These extremists, so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well-being of our children. Instead, they dare to push propaganda on our children. This is the United States of America. We're not supposed to do that."
Harris allegedly made the visit in a last-minute decision. Reports say she asked staffers about visiting Florida the day before her speech while she was on Air Force 2. Governor DeSantis however, was not at a loss for words at the Vice President's impromptu visit.
"Democrats like Kamala Harris have to lie about Florida’s educational standards to cover for their agenda of indoctrinating students and pushing sexual topics onto children," the GOP presidential candidate tweeted. "Florida stands in their way and we will continue to expose their agenda and their lies."
As the 2024 presidential campaign for president revs up, anticipate to continue DeSantis utilizing culture war topics, such as education, to set himself apart from a crowded GOP field.
